Warburton battling to recover from shoulder injury in time to lead Wales into Six Nations title defence

Wales captain Sam Warburton is facing a race to be fit for the start of the RBS 6 Nations as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old Cardiff Blues flanker has not played since suffering the injury in the final autumn Test against Australia at the Millennium Stadium – when he was forced off at half-time.

He has been included in the national squad by head coach Warren Gatland, but there is a chance he may miss the tournament opener at home to Italy.

Injury concern: Wales captain and flanker Sam Warburton hasn't played since their Test against Australia

Warburton had an injection in the damaged shoulder last Saturday and that is gradually assisting his recovery. Contrary to several reports, he did not see a specialist in London on Tuesday. Instead, he is continuing his rehabilitation in the Welsh capital.

There is an outside chance that the openside could be cleared for a comeback in the LV Cup at Bath on January 25. That best-case scenario would give him a chance to prove he is ready to face Italy, but more likely at this stage is him targeting the round-two match against Ireland in Dublin.

Meanwhile, the exodus of Welsh players out of the regions shows no signs of abating.

Veteran Wales forward Ryan Jones is understood to have agreed to join ambitious Championship club Bristol at the end of the season, while reports in France claim that Toulon are considering an offer for Lions prop Adam Jones, who is out of contract in June.

Departing? Toulon are considering an offer for prop Adam Jones (left) while Ryan Jones looks set for Bristol